Embedded Files
STEP 1: Determine a topic for investigation
STEP 1: Determine a topic for investigation
What am I curious about?
As you start to explore possibilities, give yourself permission to follow what feels meaningful or intriguing. Begin with a simple question: “What is this making me wonder?” A helpful place to spark that curiosity is Sylvia Duckworth’s graphic—it's full of question-starters that can open up new pathways for inquiry and help you notice what you’re genuinely curious about.
I'm curious about...
How something works
How something is made
Why something happens
How to get better at something
How to help someone or something
How things have changed over time
Something in nature / science
Something about a hobby
Something about my community
Something I want to build or design
Something I want to compare
Another way to explore different kinds of questions Murdoch, K. (2015) The Power of Inquiry.
Another way to explore different kinds of questions Murdoch, K. (2015) The Power of Inquiry.
WHAT IS NEEDED
What can we do to
help people without a home?
CHANGE
How and why has the game of football changed in the last 20 years?
How and why will driving change in the next 20 years?
HOW IT WORKS or HOW SOMETHING HAPPENS
How do birds build their nests?
How does our voting system work?
IMPROVEMENTS
How can we help stop bullying?
How can we reduce traffic on our roads?
How can change my sleeping habits?
HOW IT CAME TO BE
How did the pyramids get built?
How are guitars made?
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
Why are polar bears important?
Why do we learn about fractions?
CARING/LOOKING AFTER
How do you look after baby__?
How do museums preserve memories?
FEELINGS
How do people feel about the role of AI in our schools?
WHAT PEOPLE THINK/OPINIONS
What is the best way to stay fit?
Have mobile phones made our lives easier?
What happens if I reduce my screen time?
POSSIBILITIES/
PREDICTIONS
What if school started at 9:30AM?
What would happen if we planted bird-attracting plants in the school grounds?
OTHERS
Who? What? Why? Where? How? When? Did? Could? Might? If? Should? Can?
STEP 2: Check if investigation is worthwhile Murdoch, K. (2022) Getting Personal With Inquiry Learning
STEP 2: Check if investigation is worthwhile Murdoch, K. (2022) Getting Personal With Inquiry Learning
As you begin narrowing down what you want to explore, think about some questions that will help you reflect if it will be a meaningful inquiry for you. If you have too many "no" responses, perhaps reconsider and explore other topics.
Is this something I am really interested in?
Do I know my why? Why this? Why now?
Do I really care about this?
Do I know what I want to find out?
Do I already have some questions about this?
Are there some resources I know of that might help me learn more about this?
Will this make a difference to my life or the lives of others?
Will this challenge me and stretch my learning muscles?
Can this be done in the time I have available?
Do I get excited when I think about doing this?
Is this going to make me think more deeply?
Am I really just focused on a result or am I also interested in how I'll get there?
STEP 3: Writing an inquiry question
STEP 3: Writing an inquiry question
What is my inquiry?
Pick an inquiry question stem and finish the question.
What can we do to____?
How does _____ work?
Why does __________ happen?
What is the best way to ______?
How has _______changed over time?
What factors affect __________?
What would happen if _______?
How do people use _________?
What are the differences between __________ and __________?
How can I design/build/create a better __________?
How can I help __________?
Page updated
Report abuse